Leatherhead hit-man joins Lebanese squad
The Leatherhead striker has been guaranteed a place in the team for a friendly against Syria on Tuesday. And if he shines the Tanners top scorer could become a regular international player.
"I can't wait," said Chaaban, 21. "I've been training every day and am ready for it. I am not worried about the game, I'm confident I can score goals, and now I just have to show them.

"Although it is a friendly, it is a massive match as Syria are our big rivals, like England and Germany.
"If I play well then I should be called up for the Olympic qualifiers against Jordan next month. It is a massive and exciting opportunity for me."

Chaaban, with 17 goals this term, flies to the Middle East full of confidence after drilling three past Walton & Hersham in Leatherhead's 4-0 win last week.

He is planning to stay with family before joining the squad every day for training sessions.

"I am going to be on constant trial," explained the striker, "but that doesn't bother me. I'm going to smash it up."

Leatherhead manager Alex Inglethorpe has mixed feelings about losing his number one goal machine for the next two Ryman League matches against Ashford and Whyteleafe. "It is disappointing for the club to lose him, but it is a fantastic opportunity for Ali," said Inglethorpe. fiers

However, Julian Thompson has been signed from Aldershot to bolster the attack for the season runin. "He's quick," said Inglethorpe.

"We need to bring him up to speed in terms of fitness and match sharpness but he has good pedigree, the kind of player who can turn a game."

Inglethorpe has also managed to add a replacement striker on loan for when Chaaban is representing his country.

Aylesbury's Julian Charles, who has been at Brentford as a professional for two seasons, is an able deputy.

However, the striker was sent-off in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with Tooting & Mitcham, and will probably be suspended for the trip to Whyteleafe on Saturday week.

A recent good run of results, including Saturday's excellent 2-1 victory at Horsham, has pushed Leatherhead into a more comfortable position in Ryman League Division One South.

But Inglethorpe will not rest until he is guaranteed survival.

"It is not over yet," he explained. "It is a very tough division. We have been playing well since Christmas, and are unbeaten in eight, but it is only now that we have started getting the results.

"We need to carry on performing like we know we can. The belief in the squad is shining through."

Leatherhead's superb run continued with the draw against Tooting & Mitcham United at Fetcham Grove. It is the Tanners' fifth 1-1 draw in eight games.

"It is a strange pattern, but the good thing is that we are picking up points," said Inglethorpe. "Not many teams go unbeaten for eight games."

Dante Alighieri gave the home side the lead at half-time, but United replied to even the tie in the second-half.

Ashford Town visit the Grove on Saturday, a game the Tanners will be desperate to win.

Source: www.icsurreyonline.co.uk